1688-1772

Swedish natural philosopher and mystic widely remembered for founding a religious sect that maintains a loyal following to this day. Though his scientific interests were manifold, Swedenborg's most significant contributions were to geology and paleontology—marshaling evidence to show Scandinavia was once below water and arguing for the organic origin of fossils. A member of Sweden's Board of Mines, he assisted with technical mining and smelting projects and worked to improve copper ore refining.